In Ohaji/Egbema local government area of Imo State, cultists have clashed in Awarra and Ochia communities, resulting in eight reported deaths.
A community leader bemoaned the state government’s incapacity to stem the lethal cultists’ onslaught in the villages, and revealed this to Eyes Of Lagos on the condition of anonymity.
“The cultists here have slain eight people in this conflict thus far. Three members of the community dropped to their deaths upon hearing the sound of the firearms, while five members of the sect were among the eight confirmed dead. “A single kidnapped individual remains unaccounted for,” stated the neighborhood leader. Eyes Of Lagos reports,
In order to ensure that residents who fled their communities to neighboring areas out of fear of being killed returned safely, he called on the police and the Imo State government to step in.
“Our people are dying because they don’t have access to food or their homes or farms. They have been forced to flee and have taken sanctuary in churches in nearby areas including Assa, Obile, Obosima, and Umuokanne. Imagine if folks in severe financial distress were living outside of their houses,” he remarked.
He said that a committee has been established in Awara and Ochia to develop solutions to the situation as part of the steps to bring peace back to the villages.
The head of the community expressed optimism that the committee would successfully bring about long-lasting peace in the region. “In order for people to lead normal lives, our communities must experience peace again.”
When reached, Henry Okoye, the public relations officer for the Imo State Police, stated that the security services have been receiving reports concerning attacks carried out by some criminal elements in the region.
“The police have been making great efforts to bring Ohaji’s peace back.” Ohaji stakeholders have held several meetings with the Commissioner of Police. The police have improved security tactics in conjunction with other security organizations.
The residents of the neighborhood are also responsible for Ohaji’s security since without their full participation, we simply cannot accomplish this.
“Ohaji has been visited in person by the Commissioner of Police.” We have made multiple arrests, which is evidence that our collaboration with the stakeholders is having an impact. Ohaji’s security has improved after the arrival of the current police chief. To bring peace and order back to the area, we are making every effort.
A young leader who begged to remain anonymous emphasized that the conflict was a struggle for domination between rival cult groups over ownership of the money received from local oil firms.
The conflict involves two factions vying for control of the money that the oil companies operating in Awarra and Ochia towns bring in. He replied, “Two groups, one commanded by Achis and the other by a man named Acid, are trying to topple each other.
